Who We Work With

At Forge and Equip, we work with a wide range of people and organisations, from young people taking their first steps towards employment to businesses looking for high-quality fabrication services. Whether you're looking for practical skills training, employability support, welding experiences or bespoke metal fabrication, we'd love to hear from you.

Adults Seeking a Route into Employment

Many young people thrive when learning by doing rather than sitting in a classroom. Our Route to Employment Programme provides hands-on experience in a real workshop environment where participants can develop practical skills, confidence, routine and work-readiness.

We work with young people who may be:

  • Unsure about their future career path

  • Looking for practical work experience

  • Interested in welding, fabrication or engineering

  • Disengaged from school or college

  • Facing barriers to employment

Our supportive environment combines practical training, mentoring and live projects to help participants build confidence and move towards employment, apprenticeships or further education. Forge and Equip operates with small cohorts to enable stronger relationships, tailored support and a greater sense of belonging. Complete this form to register your interest and we’ll be in touch ASAP.

Schools, Employability Teams and Referral Partners

We work alongside schools, employability services, social work teams, youth organisations to provide meaningful opportunities for young people who may benefit from a practical, hands-on learning environment.

Our programmes offer:

  • Small-group support

  • Real workplace experience

  • Personal development

  • Employability skills

  • Progression opportunities

We understand the importance of realistic, measurable outcomes and work collaboratively with referral partners to support positive destinations and long-term success. Send us an email or complete this form to discuss possibilities.

Beginner Welders and Career Changers

Have you always wanted to learn welding?

Our beginner welding sessions are designed for people with little or no experience. Whether you're looking for a new hobby, considering a career change or simply want to learn something practical, our courses provide a friendly introduction to welding and fabrication.

Participants benefit from:

  • Small class sizes

  • Hands-on learning

  • Experienced instructors

  • Real workshop experience

  • Flexible learning opportunities

By the end of your session, you'll have learned new skills and created something with your own hands. Sign up to our newsletter or follow social media to hear our latest availability. We also offer gift vouchers.

Businesses Looking for Fabrication and Repair Services

Forge and Equip provides reliable fabrication, repair and metalworking services for local businesses, farms, contractors and organisations.

We understand that businesses need:

  • Responsive communication

  • Quality workmanship

  • Fair pricing

  • Reliable turnaround times

Whether you require repairs, bespoke fabrication or ongoing support, we take pride in delivering practical solutions while creating opportunities for local people through our social enterprise model. Let us know your requirements and we can discuss.

Homeowners Looking for Bespoke Metalwork

We work with homeowners across East Lothian and beyond to create and repair gates, railings, handrails and other bespoke metalwork.

If you've struggled to find reliable tradespeople or received expensive quotations elsewhere, we're happy to discuss your requirements and provide an honest, no-obligation quote.

Choosing Forge and Equip means receiving quality craftsmanship while helping create opportunities for people developing practical skills and confidence. Please let us know your needs and we’ll do our best to assist.

Funders, Sponsors and Community Partners

As a social enterprise, our commercial activities help fund opportunities for people who may face barriers to employment and education. We do not compromise our own values and will only work with ethical partners.

We welcome conversations with:

  • Grant makers

  • Corporate sponsors

  • Community organisations

  • Charitable trusts and churches

  • Local businesses

We believe we can create meaningful pathways into employment, practical skills development and stronger communities. Get in touch to become a partner.